Oxygen alkylation of Schiff base derivatives of amino acids

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1991-26625

Higher imine esters 1a-h and 7a-b of amino acids and dipeptides are prepared in 68-91% yield by saponification of the benzophenone Schiff base methyl esters 3a-d and 6 using phase-transfer techniques followed by O-alkylation with an alkyl halide. The procedure occurs with retention of configuration at the α-carbon except with phenylglycine derivatives.